All deaths occurring while the decedent is in police custody, or during transport; cases of recovery of skeletal remains; postmortem decomposition; industrial or employment accidents; death by poison or suspicion of poison; cases where the victim dies suddenly when in apparent good health;

All deaths associated with diagnostic or therapeutic procedures; patient who has sustained an injury (fracture, fall, concussion, etc.) prior to or during hospital admission and; Exhumations (disinterment) performed for the purpose of establishing the cause of death or clearing up a question relating to the cause of death.

Additional Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Scene Investigation: Respond to and investigate the scene of the death. In some instances there is more than one scene. This can occur when someone is taken from an accident scene to Summit Medical Center. In cases such as these, both scenes need to be documented through photographs, sketches, interviewing witnesses, family members, or neighbors as to what lead up to the event as well as law enforcement and EMS / Fire accounts.

Assist family if at scene

Determine approximate date and time of death

Document method used to identify decedent

Properly collect and process evidence pertinent to the scene and body

Remove the decedent from the scene in a dignified manner

Follow-Up Investigation:Notify next of kin/family once positive identification is made and provide assistance and information.

Conduct follow-up interviews with physicians, family, neighbors, or witnesses to event in order to piece together social and medical history.

Document findings and facts in an unbiased report. It is not the coroner’s job to prove guilt or fault or to take sides.

Provide testimony at depositions or in court.

Release of information to public via press releases.

To assist or be present at autopsy to convey findings to Forensic Pathologist as well as to take photographs, and gather pertinent evidence.

Miscellaneous Duties: Attend continuing education seminars pertinent to the field of Death Investigation.

Provide training to law enforcement, schools, health agencies or other community service agencies in the field of Death Investigation, on the roles and functions of the office, and drug, alcohol awareness.

Administrative duties which include: the copying and sending of Autopsy and Coroner Summary to families, insurance companies, attorney’s or law enforcement, signing death certificates, meeting with family or other pertinent individuals, record keeping, generating annual reports, and updating of operating guidelines.